For Immediate Release: July 23, 2004
DBEDT Release News 04-21

HONOLULU--Hawaii state officials, business executives, and some of the state's top entertainers have joined forces in a concerted effort to court new business opportunities and foster cultural exchanges in emerging markets in China.

The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) will lead a delegation to China from July 24-29 to meet with government officials and business executives in Shanghai, Beijing, and Tianjin.

Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr. will join the delegation for a portion of the trip to lead a series of high-level discussions with Chinese officials, including the mayors of Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin; ministers of tourism development, environmental protection, and education and training; and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games officials. The Lt. Governor and the delegation will also meet with officials from the China National Tourism Administration, Beijing Tourism Group, China Chamber of Commerce, Shanghai Media and Entertainment Group and Shanghai Doland Museum of Modern Art.

"The China market offers new opportunities for Hawaii businesses in the areas of tourism, environmental protection, education and training, culture and entertainment," said Lt. Governor Aiona.

The meetings coincide with a weeklong exhibit of Hawaii businesses and entertainers at a new culture, shopping, dining and entertainment center in Shanghai called Xintiandi. "The Hawaii Experience at Xintiandi," which will take place July 24-31, will showcase Hawaii products and services, and will feature live performances by island entertainers.

"The big attraction at Xintiandi will be Hawaiian music and dance," said DBEDT Director Theodore E. Liu. "Hawaii's entertainers are poised for a resurgence in China. The last time Hawaii arts and culture were featured in China was during the Hapa-Haole period of the 1930s. We plan to use Hawaii's unique culture and entertainment to attract an audience that we can introduce to Hawaii products and exports."

The following entertainers will be performing at the Xintiendi entertainment center in Shanghai:

• Na Leo Pilimehana
• Makana
• Kapena
• Halau Hula Olana
• Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre
• Raiatea Helm
• Miss Hawaii 2004, Olena Rubin

The Xintiandi Hawaii Business Delegation includes:

• Ko Olina Resort & Marina (resort and hotel development; wedding and golf packages, macadamia nuts)
• Duty Free Shoppers (retail sales; travel)
• Hawaiian Natural Water Company (pure bottled water)
• Hawaii's Own (fruit juices)
• Japan Air Lines (travel)
• Dole Foods (fresh fruits, coffee)
• Castle & Cooke Island of Lanai (travel; destination resorts)
• Pacific Resources LLC (building materials; jewelry)
• Waikiki Consortium (leading Waikiki hotels)
• University of Hawaii (education; short-term training)
• Koyo USA (deep sea drinking water)
• Global Resources (airport advertising; hair care products)
• Integrated Development Group (hotel and resort planning and development, hospitality training)
• High Tech Development Corporation/Hawaii Life Sciences/Kona Bay Marine (biosciences and aquaculture)
• Guai Guai (snack foods)
• Hawaii Pacific University (education and short-term training)
• Hawaii Tourism Asia (tourism marketing)
• Hi Sweets/Hawaii Coffee Company (coffee)
• Mauna Loa (macadamia nuts, chocolates)
• Alexander and Baldwin/Kauai Coffee Company/Maui Brand Sugar (coffee; sugar; jams & jellies)

Other key sponsors who have contributed to the exhibition include:

• ANA
• Hawaii State Dept. of Agriculture
• Hawaii Air Cargo

For more information on business opportunities in China, contact the International Business Assistance Branch at DBEDT at 808-587-2769 or email jdrosd@dbedt.hawaii.gov.

For more information, contact:
Dave Young
Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov